Lexapro is used for treating depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Lexapro as directed by your doctor.

Take Lexapro by mouth with or without food.

Taking Lexapro at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.

Do not suddenly stop taking Lexapro without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Lexapro and whenever a change in dose is made.

If you miss a dose of Lexapro, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lexapro.

STORAGE

Store Lexapro at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lexapro out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Escitalopram oxalate.

Do NOT use Lexapro if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Lexapro

you are taking citalopram

you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days

Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Lexapro's effectiveness

Clozapine, pimozide, risperidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lexapro.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lexapro may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Lexapro may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lexapro with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using Lexapro.

Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Lexapro; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

One to 4 weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Lexapro for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Lexapro may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Lexapro closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

Lexapro and a medicine called citalopram have the same active ingredient. Do not take Lexapro if you are also taking citalopram.

If your doctor tells you to stop taking Lexapro, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Lexapro.

Lexapro may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Lexapro. Your risk may be greater if you take Lexapro with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Lexapro. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Use Lexapro with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.

Caution is advised when using Lexapro in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.

Lexapro should be used with extreme caution in children younger 12 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Lexapro may cause weight changes. Children and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Lexapro.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lexapro may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lexapro while you are pregnant. Lexapro is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Lexapro.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: